Plus: Prince William's birthday message to Kate ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
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| Hello. Winds contributed to “a perfect storm” of conditions that led to uncontrolled blazes raging across Los Angeles, officials have said, as the most destructive fires in the city’s history burned for a third day. They also warned that looters are taking advantage of empty homes. From Bangkok, my colleague Jonathan Head examines the deadly shooting of a Cambodian politician. And in the UK, Prince William has wished his "incredible" wife Kate a happy birthday as the Palace releases a new photo of her. | |
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TOP OF THE AGENDA | 'Perfect storm' of conditions fanned flames as officials hit out at looters |
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|  | The Palisades fire covers more than 17,000 acres and is not contained. Credit: Reuters | As wildfires rage across Los Angeles, forcing nearly 180,000 from their homes, some are taking advantage of the empty properties to loot what they can. "Shame on those who are preying on our residents during this time of crisis," chair of LA's governing board Kathryn Barger said during an update on Thursday morning, adding that 20 people had been arrested so far. Appearing alongside her, LA Mayor Karen Bass said the severity of the situation was due to "historic winds" and drought combining to create "the perfect storm". But for the first time in days, there was also a smaller glimmer of hope from the emergency services, as it was announced that the winds are beginning to drop. Barger said she's "hopeful" that the "tide is turning", but added the impact is worse than anything she's seen before. |
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| Smiles and stares as five presidents meet at funeral | Current and former leaders gathered with varying levels of friendliness for the funeral of ex-US President Jimmy Carter. | Watch the video > |
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| Russia monitoring Trump Greenland claim | The Kremlin said the Arctic is in Russia's sphere of interest, after Trump refused to rule out military action to take Greenland. | More on this > |
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| Army chief elected Lebanon president | The appointment to the largely ceremonial role ends a power vacuum which has lasted for more than two years. | Read more > |
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| William wishes 'incredible' wife Kate happy birthday | "To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you've shown over the last year has been remarkable," William wrote. | More of the message > |
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| A politician was shot dead in Bangkok. Did another country do it? |  | Lim Kimya was hit in the chest by two bullets in Bangkok's royal quarter. Credit: AFP | Lim Kimya's killing had all the hallmarks of a cold-blooded, professional assassination. Shortly after arriving in the Thai capital, the former Cambodian opposition politician was gunned down. Jonathan Head explores the concerns from human rights groups that an unwritten agreement exists between Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos that allows dissidents to be pursued over neighbouring borders. |
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| | Jonathan Head, South East Asia correspondent |
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| | Next to a well-known temple in Bangkok's historic royal quarter a man is seen on a security camera video parking his motorbike, removing his helmet, so that his face is clearly visible, and walking calmly across the road. A few minutes later shots are heard. Another man falls to the ground. The assassin walks quickly back to his motorbike, appearing to throw something away as he does, and drives off.
From the security camera video the Thai police have already identified Lim Kimya's killer as an ex-Thai navy officer, now working as a motorbike taxi driver. Finding him should not be difficult.
Whether the killing is fully investigated, though, is another matter. |
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SOMETHING DIFFERENT | Wild mushrooms paradise | Lithuanians have a word for losing yourself while hunting for mushrooms. | |
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And finally... in India | Indian authorities say they have arrested a Canadian man at Delhi airport for carrying the skull of baby crocodile in his luggage. The 32-year-old man was at the airport on Monday to catch his flight to Canada when he was stopped during a security check. | |
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Six Steps to Calm | Discover a calmer future with this course of six science-backed techniques, weekly to your inbox. | |
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